Before I started the PCT, there was a specific date my life revolved around: climb over Forester Pass (highest point on trail) by October 15th to survive the Sierra snow. I've been racing towards this goal from day one, pushing on a few extra miles here and there, limiting my zero days, cutting the trail conversations short. Well, I did it. I climbed Forester 2 days ahead of schedule in my sports bra and hot pants. Sunny enough to enjoy lunch above 13,000 feet.

It was surreal. I worked so hard to get here, and once on top, I didn't want to let her go. I got that funny thought of what it would be like to die and immortalize the moment. Forester Pass is now a memory for me, tucked away deep down in my soul for those future work days I find myself red-eyed in front of an excel sheet wishing I was back up on top of the world.

My next goal is to make it to Mexico, but there is no date, no rush to touch the border. In fact, I want to drag out this trip as long as possible. I have no idea what the desert will be like in December, but I'm going to take my time. I'm not afraid of the snow anymore.